Features

INDEPENDENCE – Teams are already starting to form to vie for the $600 cash prize in the Grand Privy Race, the premier event in the 32nd Annual Mountain Foliage Festival set for Oct. 11.

There should be many on hand to cheer the outhouse racers on. The festival is among downtown Independence’s largest events of the year and drew 3,000 people last year on a rainy day, so this year the crowds will likely be even bigger.

Mother Nature was unforgiving during Chateau Morrisette’s Second Annual Black Dog BBQ Festival last month, but that didn’t stop the Front Porch BBQ Team from breaking into the local circuit with a win for its first group competition.

During the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) competition, the rain stopped for no brisket, whole hog or butt. Competitors were wet and miserable, but everyone was determined to serve a nice meal for the judges.

Carmen Sumner, formerly of Galax, has become a big name in Lincolnton, N.C. Sumner’s formal title reads “Administrative Support Specialist and Receptionist” at City Hall. But she is known by many as the eyes and ears of the city.

Local congregations celebrated the third annual Christian Family Fun Day event on Saturday with a parade, a 5K and a day-long celebration at the Hillsville VFW. Churches from the Twin Counties and surrounding localities turned up to offer free food, games, entertainment and messages about Christianity. Everyone in the community was invited to attend, regardless of their personal beliefs.

HILLSVILLE — For the past two years, the Christian Family Fun Day (CFFD) event in Hillsville has provided a safe and fun environment where everyone is welcome.

For some, the event — set to return for a third year on Sept. 20 — is a fun place to mingle with the community and enjoy the free games and entertainment. But for others, the experience is much more profound.

Despite high winds and rain clouds, Joyfest, the annual “friend-raiser” for Joy Ranch Home for Children in Woodlawn, brought in an impressive crowd on Sept. 6. Guests were treated to helicopter rides, face painting, games, bounce houses and plenty of food. Performances included the Appalachian Children’s Chorus and Brad & Rebekah. The weather kept the planned hot air balloons from flying.

WOODLAWN — Joy Ranch is anticipating a large turnout for JoyFest, the Christian home for children’s annual “friend raiser” this weekend.

“We’ve promoted it more intensely than ever, and we’re getting a good response,” says Brent Carrick, Joy Ranch Development Coordinator. “We’ve added some new attractions to our already exciting lineup, and it has greatly boosted interest.”

HILLSVILLE — Frilly-dressed princesses of all ages graced the stage for the 2014 Miss Carroll County beauty pageant at the Carroll County Agricultural Fair.

Judges had the difficult decision of presenting awards to a selection of the contestants, aged from birth through 19 years old.

This year’s Miss Carroll County winner is Bethany Welch, a contestant who also practices the science behind beauty as an employee of 58 Salon in Woodlawn. She is also a Skills USA award-winner, having earned a skill point certificate in nail care.

HILLSVILLE – The annual Carroll County Agricultural Fair gets underway Aug. 20 and continues through Aug. 24 on the grounds of the Southwest Virginia Farmer’s Market in Hillsville.
Registration for exhibits will be Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. with judging to follow.
The fair will provide a variety of events for the entire family.
Brinkley Entertainment from Walnut Cove, N.C., will provide carnival rides and shows during the fair.

Sophie, who will be starting seventh grade this fall at Galax Middle School, submitted a healthy lunch recipe for Chia Chicken Pitas that won her a seat representing the Commonwealth at the First Lady’s annual Kids’ State Dinner.

INDEPENDENCE — The Town of Independence wants to focus on recognizing and thanking veterans for their military service during its annual Fourth of July celebration, which the town will host Friday.

To commemorate Independence Day, the town will offer a parade, themed “Thank You for Our Freedom,” followed by family activities, food and free concerts in the Independence Town Park until a fireworks finale commences at 10 p.m.

“The Crooked Road Racers” sounds like a forgotten team from 1971’s “Cannonball Run,” but it isn’t. Led by Galax dentist Dr. Tom Littrell in a 1928 Model-A Ford Roadster highboy, they’re competing in the Great Race, a controlled-speed endurance road rally by vintage, antique and collector cars.